Motherhood. One of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done in my life. As a work from home Mom, I am constantly trying to find that perfect balance. As I’m writing this, Madelyn is sitting on my feet flipping through her books. I do feel very privileged to be able to work on things I’m passionate all while being a stay at home mom. As a blogger I often feel like I’m in this weird no-mans land (or no-womans land). I’m a style blogger who’s a mom and while writing about fashion has been my main gig, I can’t help but be influenced by my bright little light running around the house. I hope to have more posts soon that travel into the Mom realm. After all, being authentic is so important to me so flexing my mom muscles only makes sense.

Having said all that, enter Maddie in today’s style post! Needless to say, my body has changed and morphed a lot from pregnancy. As a result of that and a pretty major lifestyle change, my personal style has evolved too. One item I’ve coveted in my wardrobe before, during, and after pregnancy are my Flatter Me Belts. These amazing belts are stretchy, adjustable, and lay nice and flat. When I was newly sporting the bump, this belt kept my pants up when my button could no longer be done up. When I wanted to cinch in a dress but still be comfortable my FMB was perfect! And now, while I’m loosing weight (ya, it takes a while for some of us), I rock this belt to keep up my pants until I can make it out to purchase a size down. I have been wearing FMB for over 4 years now. I first met the designer, Claire, when I was an accessory buyer at The Urban Rack in Vancouver. They are the most comfortable belts and have been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. Mother’s Day came early for my Mom as she will be traveling next month. You bet that one of her gifts was a belt in new hue Good Greycioius! Flatter Me Belts currently has a promo on. From now until May 3rd get 2 belts for $60 and your shipping is free! Just use my shopping code PGMOMSDAY .

Lastly, how adorable are these matching Mommy & Me SaltWater Sandals? I had to get us each a pair when I was in Barefoot Contessa last time in. They carry the wee ones sandals at the Commercial Drive location only. I love matching her…even though I use to swear I would never go there. Oh how things change!

It’s safe to say that this is not a like my regular posts. Being that it is Earth Day, I had to share something green with you {that I love}. For the past several months I have been using these amazing compostable bins called Green Lids. Not to get all infomercial on you, but I couldn’t really find anything in the market that worked for all our organic kitchen waste. The bags leaked and the bins got smelly and dirty. While strolling around the Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show, we spotted these beauties. We were instantly interested and got some right way.

Why I love em….
~ No cleaning, no mess, and uniquely leak resistant.
~ Green Lids is the first compostable and disposable composting bin, made entirely in Canada from locally recycled cardboard.
~ Just fill it, seal it, and toss it in your backyard compost pile or put it curbside for municipal pick-up.
~ The Greenlid breaks down with your food scraps and moves quickly to farmers’ fields.
Visit their site here for more info and to see where you can buy yours.

There are so many ways to live a greener life. I am certainly not perfect, but I am continuously finding new ways and products to help in whatever small way I can. A few things I do to reduce my footprint are…

~ Support local designers who manufacture in Vancouver. I do have a real mix of things in my closet. Some items are made over seas however, I do believe in shopping local when possible. My Erin Templeton and Nicole Bridger pieces are some of my most loved items in my closet.
~Source Canadian made goods. Brave Leather imports their leathers from Italy, however they make their items here in Canada. I have been wearing their products for over 10 years.
~Re-usable bags. It sounds like such a small thing but it can make such a difference. I also recycle any of the soft plastics we do need to dispose of in our home.
~ I shop consignment sales and hit up the thrift shops when I can. I will be stocking Maddie up with all her Spring/Summer duds at the Just Between Friends sale this weekend. A mommy must!

It’s always challenging to shed my daily wardrobe of pj’s and cozies after the holidays and get back to actual clothes. I refuse to be uncomfortable so I’ve been gravitating to my collection of knit dresses in my closet. This one you’ve seen before and is an absolute favorite. I wear this dress for everything from lunch and coffee dates, to running errands, to dinner parties. I must do another Nicole Bridger shop soon!

Today is my three year wedding anniversary. This past weekend, my husband and I celebrated a bit early and took a much needed break. There was one side of me that felt like we needed to plan something big. Jet off to some romantic tropical location, book a fabulous hotel, couples massages,….you get the picture. We kept throwing around ideas but nothing really spoke to us. Then finally we realized all we really wanted was just some quality time together. We took Baby Girl over to Grandma’s house for a sleep over, took ourselves out for an early dins since we skipped lunch, and then we went for a walk down by the Quay. We took advantage of the time and snapped some pics (these ones) and then grabbed a coffee at a fave little Italian place. We went home and relaxed for a bit (I may have had a little nap) and then we went to a movie. The next morning we SLEPT IN until 10:30!!! The best! Then took our cute, rested selves out for brunch before heading to the Home + Design Show and then off to reunite with our sweet girl. All in all it was a perfect weekend. It may not have been ritzy and glitzy, but we loved it.

Speaking of love….this ultra cozy knit dress by local Vancouver designer, Nicole Bridger, has become a go-to dress for me. It’s like throwing on a warm hug. I’ve been able to style it lots of different ways and I adore the longer length. If you don’t yet have any NB hanging in your closet, check her out here. The collection is available online or at her flagship boutique on West 4th Ave. #LocalLove

Lately I feel like I have been on this journey of finding better ways to not only take care of my self but love myself more. As a woman and a mother it is easy to put yourself last on the list of priorities. There is always work to be done, chores to complete, laundry piling up, and most importantly my family to care for.

This last week I treated myself to two opportunities to reflect inward. I attended the Leading Moms seminar as well as went to see the AMAZING Taryn Brumfitt and her Body Image Movement. Both of these events celebrated women and their diversity. It was nice to hear that I’m not the only one who feels overwhelmed some days. I’m not alone in feeling less then when I compare {dirtiest word in the English language} myself to other women and other moms. It was completely uplifting to realize there is whole network of beautiful and amazing women out there to support and encourage you.

This was my “I am an amazing women” outfit I wore to the Body Image Movement night. Clothing can be ornamental for sure, but it can also make you feel beautiful and powerful. It’s easy to tear yourself apart when getting ready to go somewhere. ”I look fat in this.” ”I look so old and tired.” And so on. I’m now trying to pay myself a complement before leaving the house. After all, it only matters what I think of me.

This LBD has become a fast favorite in my wardrobe. It’s flattering, it’s comfortable, and when I came out of the changeroom in it I said ” I think I’m pretty cute in this dress.” Did I also mention it was on sale and made locally here in Vancouver?? I know! The perfect LBD. My obsession with kimonos continues with this new beauty recently added to my wardrobe from a fabulous prairie site from my home province of Saskatchewan. Be sure to check out Farminista…you will love!

Wanna see another super cute LBD look? Head over to my girl Alicia Fashionista’s site here. She has a new look coming soon!

About Me

Hello! I'm a girl who's traveled, modeled, worked as a buyer, and am now blogging my heart out! I hope to inspire other like minded gals to love who they are and shop for all things lovely. Thanks for coming by to say hello.